Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

Since cold or allergy medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe dizziness or nervousness;

• severe drowsiness; or

• little or no urination.

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• blurred vision; or

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking diphenhydramine and phenylephrine with a sleeping pill, opioid pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Applies to diphenhydramine / phenylephrine: oral tablet chewable

Other dosage forms:

• oral liquid, oral solution, oral strip, oral syrup